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*VIDEO* ADIDAS ‘When Creators Unite, She Breaks Barriers’

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December 11, 2018

On Monday during the NFL’s weekly Monday Night Football game, Adidas released their latest ad to empower women and girls in sport. It’s core message is that sports brings confidence and with confidence brings tomorrow’s leaders. All women should be given the opportunity to participate and break barriers in sport. WNBA champion Candace Parker who is one of Adidas’ most famous athletes is featured in the ad. To show their commitment, Adidas released an open letter to its employees and to communities around the country. The letter called on everyone to join the effort and together, level the playing field and co-create the future of women’s sport. Follow the brand’s initiative with the hashtag #creatorsunite. She Breaks Barriers film below.

Perception is Real: Candice Wiggins Truth

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February 21, 2017

On Monday, the San Diego Union-Tribune released a candid interview with recently retired WNBA player Candice Wiggins entitled ‘Wiggins: WNBA’s ‘harmful’ culture of bullying, jealousy’. From the moment the article was released social media was in an uproar about the claims Wiggins makes about her experiences during her eight-year career in the WNBA. From current players calling the article “just disappointing” or finding it “hard to believe”, to former players flat out saying “It’s both bullshit and it’s EXTREMELY problematic.” Many simply referred to it as #FakeNews.

In the article Wiggins proclaims that her entry into the WNBA, as many would assume, was not a dream come true and that in fact “it was quite the opposite.” She describes the culture of the WNBA as “very very harmful” and claims that she was bullied throughout her career. Wiggins continued to take digs at the 20 year old league, calling it a “survival league” that she said still struggles for attention and legitimacy. “Nobody cares about the WNBA. Viewership is minimal. Ticket sales are very low. They give away tickets and people don’t come to the game.”

According to wnba.com, the WNBA’s historic 20th season “scored its highest attendance in five years and included record marks for WNBA digital, social media and retail.” 

Wiggins says that she experienced jealousy because of the way she looked and played and that players deliberately tried to “hurt her all of the time” because of this.“There were horrible things happening to me every day,” she said. The extensive interview then took a turn for the worse when Wiggins equated her mistreatment to her sexuality.

“Me being heterosexual and straight, and being vocal in my identity as a straight woman was huge,” Wiggins said. “I would say 98 percent of the women in the WNBA are gay women. It was a conformist type of place. There was a whole different set of rules they (the other players) could apply.

Wiggins had enough of the toxic and jealous culture of the WNBA and thus decided to retire after eight seasons in the league. A storied professional career, riddled with numerous injuries, where she won a WNBA championship with the Minnesota Lynx in 2011, Wiggins has moved on to other career aspirations, one being an author where she plans on releasing an autobiography based on her journals as a player. Although this interview caused quite the stir, maybe, just maybe, these experiences were real. 

Let’s talk about the pink elephant in the room. Everyone knows the WNBA has a lot of players that identify as gay. 98%? It’s fair to say that’s a stretch, however, it’s also fair say that during a span of eight years in the WNBA there were possibly more gay players than non-gay players. Does this matter in the grand scheme of things? No. But it does matter to someone that is not in the majority. Perception is real. We all live in our own realities by virtue of how we perceive and understand things and for Wiggins, this was her reality.

What if the tables were turned? How does the one or two gay people feel in a locker room full of heterosexuals? Perhaps this is why there are no “out” male professional athletes in the NBA or the NFL. If Wiggins perceived her maltreatment to stem from her femininity in a league that “encouraged women to look and act like men in the NBA,” if she was bullied because she was “proud to be a woman,” then these feelings are real and we cannot discount what she felt. This was her perception.

What does it feel like to be in the minority? Although the WNBA is one of the most deliberately accepting and engaging professional leagues in the world, Wiggins felt like a minority and thus alienated. This could be her own doing but again, this is how she felt. If Wiggins was reminded daily (People were deliberately trying to hurt me all of the time), that she was different, that can be discouraging and even embarrassing. “My spirit was being broken,” Wiggins said and perhaps we need to make sure that no player ever has to go through what Wiggins went through. Yes there is competition, probably some jealousy too, but this is sports! It’s a competition.

But before she gets a pass for bashing the very league that gave her the platform to even make her feelings relevant, before she makes statements that some would call false and stereotypical statements about a group of women who sacrifice year-round to uphold the values and legacy of the WNBA, Wiggins needs to check her privilege at the door, and not group her very unfortunate personal experiences on an entire group of women and in the next breath say but um “I’m not trying to crush anyone’s dreams or aspirations, or the dreams of the WNBA. I want things to be great…” If you want things to be great then start with accountability first and maybe ask yourself what did I do to make the atmosphere better for future players.

I can say in my eleven seasons in the WNBA I’ve never witnessed the kind of bullying Wiggins describes in her interview. This does not mean it did not happen but I’m proud to be apart of a league that supports inclusion and celebrates all players regardless of their race, religion or sexuality. We are a family made up of players that love and respect the game of basketball. We are dedicated to growing the game and our league through integrity, honesty and hardwork. I feel awful that Candice had these experiences while playing in the WNBA but I encourage her to not only speak out about the negative aspects of her career but also shed light on how we can prevent this from ever happening again. The WNBA gave you a platform to emerge as an advocate for HIV/AIDS in which you have a very personal connection. The WNBA supported you, worked with you, gave you a voice. Why now? Why bring down the league you say you want to be successful? Why not uplift, advocate, and encourage young women to be themselves as you were during your playing days. Let young girls know that it’s ok to be “different”, teach them how to overcome, how to survive and to come out on top. Your voice will be much more appreciated and received that way.

In a world where we are already so divided I think it is important for people to tell their stories and to share their experiences. It’s equally important for people to listen and to care. I commend Candice Wiggins for telling her story and I look forward to seeing how she uses her experiences to to ensure this never ever happens to anyone again.

—Monique Currie

Why Delle Donne Wants Out of Chicago!

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After four seasons with the Chicago Sky forward Elena Delle Donne wants out.

December 17, 2016

What is it about Chicago and the WNBA? Why can’t Chicago keep their Star Players in the Windy City? Can’t blame it on the weather; the weather in Chicago in the summer is amazing! Violence? No issues ever reported. Winning? They played in the 2014 WNBA finals… So what is it? Delle Donne isn’t the first superstar to bolt from All-State’s empty arena. It started with Candice Dupree who left after four seasons with the Sky. Third pick Kristi Toliver was next to sever ties with the Sky after only a single season with the team. Epiphanny Prince was traded to the NY Liberty after five seasons with the Sky but she also wanted out. In 2015 Sylvia Fowles said she would rather NOT play in the WNBA than to play for the Chicago Sky and that she did until she was traded to the Minnesota Lynx. Now Delle Donne; Olympic champion, WNBA MVP, scoring leader and All-Star hinted at her desire to suit up for another WNBA team in the near future. In an interview with VICE SPORTS, Delle Donne said that she would come to a decision soon about where she wants to play next, and is prepared to sit out the 2017 season if necessary to facilitate a move to her preferred destination.

This has to be an eerie feeling for the Sky who dealt with the same issue in 2015 before dealing Fowles to the Minnesota Lynx. Delle Donne has the star power and the skills to make any team attempt to give up their entire roster for a chance to secure arguably the best forward in the WNBA. Will the Sky do like the Lakers did in 2007 when Kobe Bryant demanded to be traded? A deal never worked out and Bryant went on to win two more titles with the Lakers after bringing in Pau Gasol. Are the Sky simply one player away from winning a championship? At this point I don’t think that even matters. Delle Donne is out of Chicago.

“Some things will be moving forward for me,” Delle Donne said about the off-season ahead. “I’ve loved playing with my teammates. There’s a great group of young women there. And hopefully with Amber [Stocks, whom the Sky named head coach on Tuesday] and a new system, it’ll be great for them. But for me, wherever I end up, I’ll be ready to play basketball.”

Her words are already removed from what the Sky have going on. If this were the NBA it wouldn’t be such a huge deal but this is the WNBA and its rare that a player of this caliber changes teams. That has to be crushing to the Sky organization who have done everything in their power to make the Sky visible in Chicago and competitive in the league. However, something is missing and we want to know what it is. Players don’t leave organizations just because. Yes all players want a chance to win a championship but any team Delle Donne is on has a real chance at winning one.  One thing Delle Donne can look forward to after leaving the Sky is winning a championship. Dupree, Fowles and Toliver have all won championships since leaving Chicago. Delle Donne is a restricted free agent this year which means that she can entertain offers from other teams but the Sky have the chance to match any offer she receives which they certainly will. Perhaps they will make a trade. I can think of a few deals that could work out in their favor assuming they have no other choice. The Washington Mystics or the NY Liberty could be Delle Donne’s next stop. She would be closer to home and her family who she is extremely close with. Washington would be ideal! Anytime the Sky play at the Verizon Center Delle Donne’s fans from Delaware show up in droves to support their the former fighting Blue Hen. Even if neither one of those teams are her next destination, I’m sorry to break the news to you Sky fans, but Chicago definitely will not be it.

Let us know what you think in the comments… 

WNBA Players Open New Franchise!

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riss-and-ab

Alana Beard and Marissa Coleman at their Mellow Mushroom location in Roanoke, Virginia.

November 18, 2016

Former teammates and longtime friends Alana Beard and Marissa Coleman recently embarked on an endeavor together outside of basketball. Marissa currently plays in the WNBA for the Indiana Fever and Alana just finished a championship season with the LA Sparks. Once teammates for both the Washington Mystics and the LA Sparks, they are teamed up yet again, but this time the playing field has completely changed. The two are co-owners of Mellow Mushroom, a pizza restaurant chain that serves up “fresh stone baked pizzas to-order in an eclectic, art-filled and family-friendly environment.”

Having their grand opening just three weeks ago Alana and Marissa are ready to take on the challenges of being franchisees. For Beard, franchising has always been a goal of hers. Early on, she studied the franchise industry and business models that were of interest to her. However, it was Marissa who connected her with a family friend who has over 30 years of experience in the franchising industry and from there the chance to become partners in business began.  [Read more…]

Undefeated Sparks and Lynx Clash Tuesday Afternoon! Who You Got?

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June 20, 2016

11-0

Both the Los Angeles Sparks and the Minnesota Lynx have already made history this season. Both teams are currently undefeated; The Lynx are 12-0 and the Sparks are 11-0. After tomorrow’s afternoon game only one team will remain undefeated in the WNBA and it’s difficult to guess which one will continue on without a loss. Already, tomorrow’s matchup will be historic. It will be the first time in history that two teams from the WNBA, NBA, NFL, MLB, or NHL have met with each team having 10+ wins, no losses and no ties. Let’s break it down a bit to see if we can get any closer to figuring out who may come out on top.

The Sparks and the Lynx are pretty evenly matched statistically. The Lynx lead the WNBA in points per game averaging 87.8 with 48.6 FG pct. while the Sparks are not too far behind with 86.9 points per game but with a little higher shooting percentage at 49.8%. Both teams also share the ball pretty evenly with the Lynx averaging 20.7 assists per game and the Sparks 21.1. If you pulled up both team’s stats you’d see that their averages are pretty much the same across the board. There really aren’t any major differences in their performance as a team. I guess defensively, the Lynx give up more points to their opponents. Against the Lynx teams average 74.2 points while against the Sparks, opposing teams’ average  71.4. Again, not a huge difference.

Individually, Maya Moore is currently 3rd in the league in scoring with an average of 19.7 points per game.  For the Sparks Nneka Ogwmike is 7th in the league in scoring at 17.6 and Candace Parker rounds out the top 10 with 16.5 points per game. There are four olympians in the starting lineup for the Lynx. Moore, Augustus, Whalen and Fowles will all compete for a gold medal this summer in Brazil. The Sparks don’t have any American olympians on the squad for the games in Rio but the snub of leaving 2-time gold medalist Candace Parker off the team is still fresh in the minds of us all. Ogwmike is having an amazing season for the Sparks! She has been Ms. Consistent this season and recently broke the WNBA record for field goals made in a game without a miss.  She hit all 12 of her shots in their win against the Dallas Wings earlier this month. Alana Beard, who has struggled with injury in the past is playing some of her best basketball these days. She has been a lock down defender for the Sparks and will force Moore to work to get the shots that she wants. Toliver is shooting almost 47% from the 3pt line while averaging 14 points per game. The X-Factor for the Sparks is Jantel Lavender who is very effective coming off the bench. She’s shooting over 50% from the field and forces defenses to rotate because she has a great mid range jumper. In order for LA to win this game their bench has to outplay the Lynx’s bench. [Read more…]

Moriah Jefferson Adopts a New Pup; Kobie!

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June 12, 2016

Moriah and Kobie

Moriah and Kobie at Pets Alive in San Antonio.

Earlier this month a few of the San Antonio Star’s players visited Pets Alive, an animal shelter which prides itself on being a community that saves at least 90% of the animals that enter its shelter system. The players were there to help promote an adoption drive the shelter was holding. Moriah Jefferson, the Stars first-round draft pick, was on hand to help out with the drive but found herself doing a bit more than volunteering. Moriah, who loves animals, found herself gravitating towards one of the dogs that were up for adoption. Ginger, a golden retriever mix, with light eyes and floppy ears won her heart. “As soon as I saw her I looked into her eyes and after that I was hooked. I didn’t think I was going to leave without her that day,” says Moriah about her first encounter with Ginger, who now goes by the name Kobie. Check out Moriah at the dog park with best friend Deysha and teammate Mo Currie, as she begins her journey as a new “mom”.

Gimme Some Mo: Kobie from DJ on Vimeo.

When Fashion and Sports Collide WNBA Player Takes Gameday Wardrobes To New Heights

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May 31, 2015

When Fashion and Sports Collide WNBA Player Takes Gameday Wardrobes To New Heights

If you’ve watched the NBA playoffs lately, other than Stephen Curry’s amazing three-point range, the chatter in the social atmosphere is all about what the players are wearing to the game. Players such as Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder, are taking fashion and style to a new level with their unique and edgy off-court couture. But the men aren’t the only ones wowing fans with their gameday wardrobes. Take WNBA’s power forward Crystal Langhorne. The Seattle Storm’s starter is not only a threat on the court, but her chic and sassy style has been noticed by many for quite some time. A lefty, who sports career averages of 12 points, 7 rebounds, there’s another side of Crystal that you may not know about.  The 6’2” forward sense of style is changing the look of the WNBA one pre-game get-up at a time.  Last season, Crystal seemed to start a trend by posting snapshots of her gameday fits on social media. A great idea to share her love for fashion and to give fans a glimpse into her stylish ways. Like many others, I wanted to learn more about Crystal’s passion for fashion and her well-thought-out wardrobe which she maintains throughout the season, even on the road! Here’s what she had to say. Crystal has created her own fashion blog (Crystal’s Closet) where we will get a chance to see what she’s been wearing during the season. A special treat, we will even get to know where she purchased her items from! Make sure you check out her first blog post here.

 

What made you decide to start a blog about your fashion? 

I decided to start a blog because I wanted to have a fashion source for athletes, especially the taller ones. I’ve had people reach out to me about where I’ve gotten some of my clothing because finding clothing for tall women can be difficult. This blog will help women find better clothing options for themselves. People are interested in seeing basketball players off the court. People just don’t want to see basketball players playing basketball. People love seeing NBA players game day outfits and I want to do the same thing for the ladies. Andrew Defrancesco knows the best ways to make sure a businness is going great

Have you always been into fashion? If so, what was it about fashion that made you interested. If not, when did you start getting into fashion and why?
I wouldn’t say I’m into fashion as much as I’m into my appearance, if that makes sense. Your appearance is the first thing people see and I’ve always wanted to present myself in a good way. I like to look well put together which I guess makes me “fashionable”.
 langhorne
 Where is your favorite place to shop?
My favorite place would be Zara, but I also love Mango, H&M, Nordstrom rack, and Long Tall Sally.
What do you find most difficult  (personally) about being fashionable? 
The most difficult thing I find about is that people expect you to be stuck up because you like to dress up. I’ve never understood why dressing nice meant you weren’t nice.
Being over 6 feet tall how and where are you able to find clothes that fit you perfectly?
I shop at certain stores like Long Tall Sallys, Asos and Top Shop both tall line these are stores where I get my main go to’s. For a lot of other stuff I get it tailored. I may let out a hem on a pair of pants. I just try a lot of things on. Sometimes i’ll try a jumpsuit on that not tall and luckily it will fit.
What is something that should be in everyone’s closet?
I believe a blazer should be in everyone’s closet. It’s a piece that can be worn so many ways.
 crystal langhorne 3
What is your signature piece of clothing?
My signature piece right now would be anything high waisted, I just loveeee anything high waisted.
 What makes someone fashionable? 
What makes someone fashionable, hmmm, to me it would be someone who puts their clothes on with a purpose. Not just putting clothes on to cover their body or wearing things because of labels, but using the clothes to express themselves or send a message.
What do you suggest for someone who wants to dress better or be more fashionable?
I would say you need to be patient and try on a lot of clothes. It takes time to see what works well with your body and who you are as a person. The fit and fabric also make a huge difference.
What is the biggest mistake in fashion that athletes make?
The biggest mistake athletes make is getting the wrong cut/fit. We are strong, athletic, beautiful women, but everything isn’t flattering for our bodies. Like you might need to buy those dress pants two sizes bigger and get the waist taken in because they’ll look too tight on your thighs otherwise. I know there are some things I avoid because they just don’t compliment my body.crystal langhorne 2
What do you want fans or readers to know about you?
I want people to know that I’m NOT a fashion expert. I’m just a woman who enjoys wearing clothes that I believe makes me look great. And with this blog, I think I can help some people who want to dress better, dress better. And hopefully, if I can get other players to join, I can bring a different side to women’s basketball that can be highlighted a little more.

WNBA Training Camp 2016!

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The WNBA will begin their historical 20th season this weekend when training camp starts across all 12 teams on Sunday. Many teams will have new faces suiting up to go along with new uniform colorways while others return their core with minimal changes. The team to beat remains the defending champions; The Minnesota Lynx, but with Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor returning to the Phoenix Mercury lineup many would beg to differ. I’d say that the West will again be a battle at the top but with the new scheduling format of the regular season, every team will have pretty even chance to see how they measure up across the entire league. The 2016 season will be an odd season for many, especially rookies, and players who have been in the WNBA for less than three years as they have not experienced a summer with an olympic break. The WNBA will take a month long break from games as players from across the league compete for a gold medal in Rio. The USA final roster has yet to be announced but we can expect that decision to be made shortly. The difficult task will be for teams to keep their chemistry, focus and momentum going once they return to play after the break. Teams will continue to practice, but for many, their best player or players will be missing for that month during the break if they are selected to play for the National Team. Coaches will have to be creative in finding ways to keep players in shape and prepared to compete for a championship when games resume. A positive from the olympic break will give teams the opportunity to build better chemistry and work on player development as most are unable to put a lot of effort into this because the WNBA’s training camp is so short. Teams who don’t have a player on the National Team will really be able to develop during that time. Either way, training camp is on the horizon and I’m sure we all are excited about another season of WNBA basketball!

Last week I went to Connecticut to be a part of a player’s panel during rookie orientation to speak with the seniors who were invited to the WNBA draft. Myself, Tina Charles and Carolyn Swords were there to have a candid conversation with the future players about what life is like in the WNBA and to answer any questions the prospects may have had. As the three of us are in varying stages of our careers and all have different experiences and roles in the league it was a great mix of opinions and ideas. The girls were very excited and extremely tired from all of the orientation forums they had to attend. I’m sure it was information overload but it is important that these young women are prepared for the next level of their career not only on the court but off the court as well. The WNBA put together a great orientation for the girls which gave them information on boring stuff like taxes and 401k’s to social media behavior to rules changes and a bunch of other stuff. I’d like to think that our portion of the day was the most exciting. We got a lot of questions about training camp as the girls seemed to be really nervous about what’s to come during camp. I always say that if you can make it through a college pre season you can make it through a WNBA training camp. For anyone that has played college basketball we all know how challenging college pre seasons can be!  I remember it like it was yesterday, as I contemplated quitting because I felt like I had joined the track team and not the basketball team! I’m glad I stuck it out but these girls don’t have to worry themselves too much.

Training camp on the professional level can be challenging. Players are bigger, faster and stronger. The first thing you don’t want to do is come into camp out of shape. Training camp moves very quickly and since a lot of teams have pre season games lined up in as little as a week after camp starts you have to take in a lot of information daily. From learning plays, to learning new terms, drills and techniques, you have to be locked in at all times. This is what I like to tell players entering the W; EVERYONE in the league is good! Yea some players may not play a lot of minutes of even get off the bench at all but for them to be on a roster they have to be good and you have to respect that. This can be different from college where you may face a team that may have only one or two very good players that you have to worry about (four of five if you’re UCONN). In the WNBA, night in and night out, you are facing the best players in the world. The other thing is that in training camp and there are no guarantees. There are players in camp working to make the final roster just like you and since there are only 11, with the option to carry 12 players on each team, space is limited. In this league, just because you were drafted doesn’t mean you will make the team. But that shouldn’t scare you, that should motivate you to show what you are made of. Outside of the first round draftees, and sometimes first rounders don’t make the squad, there will be a battle for those few roster slots available. Which brings me to an entirely different subject on the need for more WNBA teams because talented players have to be let go because there simply aren’t enough spots on the team. I am hopeful that more teams will join the league in the future.

Anyway, I let the players know that this will be some of the best times of their lives. You’re a professional basketball player! The best of the best and you deserve to be here. Just imagine getting paid to play basketball! Do you know how many people would love to get paid to play sports? It’s a blessing and something that we should never take for granted! I welcome new talent and I enjoy watching young players develop and grow into women. This will be my 11th training camp and I am just excited for this one as I was for the first abeit the nerves. This historical 20th season should be one of the best in the history of the league with so many great storylines, players, and teams. I hope that this season gets the recognition that it deserves and people all over the world will see how great the WNBA is, how passionate it’s players are, and how exciting it is to watch some of the best women’s basketball players in the world compete to be a world champion! The season tips off May 14th as the Phoenix Mercury take on the Minnesota Lynx on ESPN!

I Blame The Media…

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April 7, 2016

Two nights ago UCONN women’s basketball team won their fourth consecutive National Championship! Their 11th in program history, making head coach Geno Auriemma the coach with the most National Championships in NCAA basketball history. In winning his 11th National Championship, coach Auriemma passed the notable John Wooden who won 10 National Championships with his UCLA Bruins in a 12-year period. However, coach Wooden won a record seven in a row. It is yet to be known if coach Auriemma will be able to top that record. With the departure of Breanna Stewart, who was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player for the fourth year in a row, becoming  the 1st player in Division I history, men’s or women’s to accomplish this feat, it will be difficult for the women of UCONN to capture three more titles in the next three years but with UCONN you should never count those girls out. They never run out of players, they just reload.

The sad part in this all is that if you’re not a women’s basketball fan you would have no idea that 1. UCONN were playing for their 11th National Championship in program history. 2. UCONN were also playing for their fourth consecutive National Championship. 3. Syracuse and Washington were both participating in their first final four in their programs history. And 4. If you’re local to the DMV, which I am, Syracuse head coach Quentin Hillsman, a native of Suitland, Md coached at Newport Preparatory School in Maryland where he was voted the Montgomery County Gazette’s Girls Varsity Private School Coach of the Year. In addition to many other storylines, you would not have known any of these things if you didn’t go out of your way to find them out. And I blame the media!

The night before the Women’s National Championship game I was sitting at home watching the local news as I do every evening. Of course the sports segment came on and for the entire however many minutes it lasted the only thing they talked about were the men! They talked about opening day in baseball and the Men’s National Championship game. Let me rewind to the day of the games between Syracuse and Washington and UCONN and Oregon State. There was NO mention that these games even took place. Disappointed in the lack of coverage, now I’m talking about local news, which I think is very important in bringing in fans who don’t necessarily watch sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, or some other sports based channel, there was nothing. So they failed to mention that Syracuse and UCONN had advanced the night before but I just knew there would be some mention of the upcoming National Title game, I mean come on, its the National Championship game! Men or women, its the biggest game, on the biggest stage in college basketball. You’re not going to believe this but the local news did not mention that one, Syracuse and UCONN had advanced in the first games of the Final Four, and two that they would be playing for the title the next night! I sat there in shock, I just knew I must have missed it because its is incomprehensible that they would not even mention the upcoming National Championship game! Being that I didn’t move from the sofa while watching the entire news cast I couldn’t have missed it. They just didn’t bother to let their viewers know that there were actually a Women’s Final Four going on…

How? How do you not mention the biggest game in college basketball. As a producer of a show, which are the ones that write and/or decide what anchors will cover, how can you not see it fit or find the time to mention anything about women’s basketball. At this point it’s just blatant disrespect. You didn’t think the title game was worth mentioning? You don’t think that the many women who are at home from work watching the news would like to see what other women are doing in sport? I’m not asking for an entire segment, which I think is deserved, I’m simply looking for you to acknowledge  that a game had been played and another one was on the way. It take three seconds to say “And tomorrow night UCONN women’s basketball will take on the Orange from Syracuse in the National Title Game!” Is that too much to ask for? Seriously, so yes I blame the media for ignoring women’s sports. I mean if I heard one more time that the guys from Villanova and UNC were brothers! If I heard one more time that Villanova were in pursuit of their first NCAA basketball championship in 31 years. The media sure does know how to wear out a story in the men’s game but don’t even bother to mention anything about women! Who are these producers? Who are these anchors? What is their issue with women’s sports? How would they even know if casual fans were interested if they don’t even cover the stories?

Those responsible for the content of sports shows need to demand that women’s sports are covered and this includes local newscasts. No questions asked. Women are interested in what other women are doing in sports. Men are too. There is excitement in the successes of women in all sports and it should be celebrated not ignored. Women who play sports are not trying to mimic men, they are simply doing what they love and working hard to accomplish goals just like anyone else. We need to take a stand and demand that the media takes responsibility for their lack of coverage. It’s disrespectful, it’s rude and quite frankly it’s shameful! This is not only for the men involved in production. There are plenty of women in positions that can advocate for more exposure for women’s sports and they should be at the forefront. What if your daughter or sister, niece, or cousin wants to play sports? Don’t you want her to see people who look like her on television being successful? Don’t you want her to have positive role models to look up to? Give women the coverage they deserve and let society decide if they’re interested or not. Stop leaving it up to the old news producers in the back who still don’t know the WNBA is entering its 20th season!

Check out my blogpost as well to comment: http://sb.gg/131Id

Monique

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END; Monique Currie

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boracay

Boracay, Phillipines


February 27, 2016

I’m sad to say that my team here in Korea will not be moving on to the playoffs this season. This is a huge disappointment to me because honestly I wanted to win the championship this year! This is my third season in Korea and the same team has won the championship for the last two years and are currently on track to win a third. I guess it wasn’t in the cards for me this season but as with anything I will certainly take away some positives and use this as another learning experience.  Korea is a great country and if you ever make your way to Asia be sure to swing by South Korea for a visit. You must try the different street foods, eat some Korean BBQ and drink some Soju. Peach flavor is my favorite. As I wrap up my 10th or 11th season overseas (I’ve lost count) I’m about about to do something I’ve never done before. Go on a vacation ALONE!

This side of the world is very far from home. Its a 14-hour flight from Washington D.C.! After my first season playing in Korea, some friends and I went on vacation to Thailand! It was one of the most amazing vacations I’ve ever been on! Last season, I didn’t go anywhere once the season ended and I told myself I wouldn’t let that happen again! To be on this side of the world and not make time to visit other south east Asian countries is a huge mistake! The chances of me flying back this way for a vacation are slim to none. I just can’t do that long of a flight. So the solution is, since I’m already here GO SOMEWHERE! At first I was going to go to Japan but after doing some online research the beach was calling my name and Boracay, Philippines is my destination of choice. I wanted to visit multiple countries but I’ll just be going to Boracay this time around. People often times miss out on trips and vacations because they don’t have anyone to go with or friends and family can’t coordinate schedules. I won’t let this deter me and for the first time I’m going on vacation all by myself. At first I was a little hesitant about the idea but after I clicked buy on Expedia the other day it was a done deal!

So soon I’ll be packing my things and heading to another country all by my lonesome. I’m really excited and looking forward to the trip. A lot of people have been very supportive and encouraging towards me. I’ve heard from a lot of people who have been on vacation alone and they all say it is an amazing experience! You’ll be on your own schedule. You can wake up and and go to bed when you want. Choose when and where you want to eat, where to hang out, what activities you want to do and not have to worry about anyone else but yourself. Of course I would rather not go on vacation alone but I think I will have an amazing time. I can use the time to reflect, rest and prepare myself for this upcoming WNBA season. Maybe it will be like going to the movies alone which I’ve only done once. I felt a little weird at first but once the movie started that’s all I was worried about. I will be sure to let you know how my vacation goes. The pictures of Boracay are amazing and I surely hope that I will return with a tan that you all will envy! Talk to you soon! Follow me on snapchat mocurrie25 to follow along!

-Monique